Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Damascus, the capital of Syria, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.8 million people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 10 Mbps, with higher speeds available in select areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 4,000 SYP (Syrian Pound). Availability of banking services may vary. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not widely considered safe to drink; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity operates at 220V, 50Hz, and uses Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Syriatel and MTN Syria; prepaid SIM cards are widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cash transactions are common; credit cards may not be widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb, with varying prices. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; cash is preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb options are available, starting at around $25 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and budget hotels are available from $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Old City and Al-Maidan areas are popular due to historical significance. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Areas around Al-Maidan and central Damascus offer cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Dardasha is a popular coworking space with reliable internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Khedr offers a conducive environment for working; strong coffee and Wi-Fi available. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups for expat meetups and networking opportunities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Events often organized through social media platforms; participation varies. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is a reliable ride-hailing service available in Damascus. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited bike/scooter rental options; walking is common in the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beaches are in Latakia, approximately 3 hours by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Syrian Air provides domestic flights within Syria. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Limited international options; Turkish Airlines and other Middle Eastern airlines operate flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Connections to major highways such as the M5, providing access to other cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Damascus Railway Station services domestic travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is limited; buses and minibuses are the main forms of transit. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis are common for intercity travel. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Al-Mouwasat Hospital is a leading healthcare facility in Damascus. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Various local fitness centers offer yoga classes; check local listings. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness 7 and other local gyms are available for workouts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available; typically around 2,000 SYP per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | HungryApp is a popular food delivery service in Damascus. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Kibbeh' or 'Fattoush' for a taste of local cuisine. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian dishes are common; restaurants like Abou Mohammad offer good options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bakery Al-Huda is famous for its traditional Syrian sweets like Baklava. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Souk Al-Hamidia offers local fruits, vegetables, and spices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online shopping platforms are limited; consider international services. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local supermarkets may offer limited delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bars are limited; social hubs can be found in the central areas. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Syriah beverage company offers local soft drinks and syrups. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Some fine dining restaurants offer local wine selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell popular snacks like Falafel and Shawarma across the city. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Several restaurants serve pizza and kebabs, popular among locals and expats. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Umayyad Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | National Museum of Damascus hosts artifacts reflecting the rich history of Syria. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the old city of Damascus for its ancient architecture and bazaars. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Al-Nouri Mosque and the Tomb of Saladin are notable religious sites. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cultural events are widely celebrated; check local postings for specifics. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore Al-Mukhayam district for a taste of local culture and heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural performances can be found at the Opera House of Damascus. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Souk Al-Hamidia and Souk Al-Bzouri are great for souvenirs and local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found in various cafes and cultural venues. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look out for local murals and artworks in urban areas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes are available; inquire at local restaurants. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Check out the Al-Hasan Art Gallery for contemporary local art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Citadel of Damascus is a key historic site worth visiting. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city emphasizes its rich history and cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mount Qasioun offers scenic views and hiking opportunities near the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The nearby Bloudan National Park is good for nature enthusiasts. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Some areas are walkable; cycling is limited within city limits. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints on Mount Qasioun provide panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Certain parks and natural reserves around Damascus are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Check local regulations, but some parks allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Though international options are available, local post services may have delays. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops provide electronics repair services; major appliances may have limited support. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers occasionally have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Arabic classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Libraries in university districts provide study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local cultural centers host community events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited options available; some cafes may have gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not legally available in Syria. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $45,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $30,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $96,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $72,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is approximately 28%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend tax is around 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | The tax system is based on individual income and corporate taxation. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is approximately 22%. |
| 🧾 VAT | The standard VAT rate is 10%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations exist for foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax system based on property value assessment. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction tax is approximately 3% on property sales. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Appealing due to lower taxation rates; consult local authorities for specifics. |